THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon. Thank you all for coming, and
welcome back to the White House.

This summer, the Federal Trade Commission, ably headed by Tim
Muris, and the Federal Communications Commission, ably headed by
Michael Powell, joined to create a National Do Not Call Registry. The
registry allows Americans to shield their home and cell phone numbers
from most unwanted telemarketing calls. By signing up over the phone
or on-line, people can protect their privacy and their family time from
intrusive, annoying, unwelcome commercial solicitations.

FTC Chairman Tim Muris answered your questions on the Do Not Call Registry on "Ask the White House."
Read the transcript.

The Do Not Call Registry is a practical solution to address a
growing concern. I'm honored that Senator Stevens is with us, the
Chairman; Congressman Billy Tauzin, the Chairman, is with us; Ed
Markey, ranking member; Fred Upton. I appreciate you all coming.

The reason they're here is they acted to a response from the
judiciary. They acted, as well, because the American people clearly
like the idea of a Do Not Call Registry. After all, since the first
sign-up day three months ago, Americans have entered over 50 million
telephone numbers in the Do Not Call Registry.

While many good people work in the telemarketing industry, the
public is understandably losing patience with these unwanted phone
calls, unwanted intrusions. And given a choice, Americans prefer not
to receive random sales pitches at all hours of the day. And the
American people should be free to restrict these calls.

Last week, a federal judge objected to the Do Not Call Registry on
the grounds that Congress had not authorized its creation. So the
House and the Senate authorized its creation. You acted swiftly and I
want to congratulate you very much, it's a really good action. The
Senate voted 95-0, the House 412-8, this affirmed the decision by the
FTC and it's affirmed the wishes of the American people.

The Do Not Call Registry is still being challenged in court. Yet,
the conclusion of the American people and the legislative branch and
the executive branch is beyond question. So today I'm pleased to sign
this important piece of legislation into law. Want to come and join
us?